Sign lends credence to Hayden-Ford Mill name

An overlooked piece of history has given support for renaming the Tecumseh Community Center as the Hayden-Ford Mill Building.

In his city manager's report to the Tecumseh City Council on Monday, Kevin Welch said a marker had been found on the north side of the building, at 703 E. Chicago Blvd., that indicates at one time the building had been called the Hayden-Ford Mill. The Tecumseh Historical Preservation Commission had recommended renaming it the Hayden-Ford Mill Building. The council unanimously approved the name change Jan. 6.

At the time of the council's vote, Welch said the formal name change wouldn't take place until some questions were cleared up about the building's history. The biggest question was if it should be the Hayden-Ford Mill or the Hayden-Ford Building. The building will no longer be considered a community center, as community activities and the city's parks and recreation department were moved into the new AJ Smith Recreation Center, 810 N. Evans St., in 2013. Welch and the historic preservation commission said the new name of the building should reflect its status and history. He said the plaque will be retained.

"We will refresh this plaque with the past and updated information," Welch said.

Welch also said he sent letters to the Ford family and the Hayden family telling them of the change. He told the council he spoke with the Rev. John Hayden of Mason, son of William Hayden, who had rebuilt the grain mill after a fire destroyed it in the late 19th century. John Hayden told Welch he was supportive of the name change.

No response has been received yet from the Ford family. Henry Ford remodeled and added onto the building and it was used to help in war efforts during the 20th century.

J. Trees is remodeling to install a wine-tasting room and other services. The business will share the main floor with the senior center. The Fitness Connection is in the lower portion while the canoe and kayak livery operates out of the northern side of the lower portion.